I was thinking tonight as I as struggling to get Gabriella to sleep tonight, how do I know what I am doing is right? I realized that I am literally flying by the seat of my pants and have absolutely no clue what I am doing.
How do I know when to stop swaddling her, when I need to up the diaper size, when do I up the nipple size on her bottles. How do I know that I am providing her with the right environment, how do I know she has enough tummy time. I am feeling all this pressure to be the perfect parent. I know that she thinks I am an awesome parent. She "tells" me every time she smiles at me and giggles and talks to me. And I know that I need to relax a bit but I want to make sure that I give her the best life.
The joys of parenting.
How long
8 years ago
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6 comments:
It's all trial and error. If she's breaking out of the swaddle, try getting her to sleep without it. If that doesn't work, try a bigger blanket to swaddle with. If her diapers are leaking everytime she wets- try the next size up. If she's fussy when she takes a bottle, she may not be getting it fast enough, try a faster flow nipple. If it's too fast, she'll let you know (and on and on ad infinitum...)
It's funny how we worry about these things like they are such huge deals in the moment, but as soon they move to the next stage all the old worries are replaced by new ones and the old ones seem like nothing to worry about.
You are giving her a GREAT life and you are a GREAT Mom, and it has nothing to do with making sure she's in the right size diaper at the right time.
Erin is bang on - we worry about these things in the moment like they're the hugest issues, but once we figure them out new worries crop up! I remember spending hours trying to decide what kind of stroller to get him - it was so overwhelming! The nice thing is that the longer I'm a parent, the less overwhelmed I feel (for now! LOL!).
Thanks Ladies. I know I am doing a wonderful job and I have learned so much in the past 4 months, but I think I was just having one of those days where I was questioning everything you know?
I know what you mean, Jess! So often me and James are just guessing what the heck to do! And yet, he is growing and healthy and happy (most of the time)! So I guess we're doing okay!
I think it is just weird for most of us who grew up going to school and studying for tests--all the learning was so organized and we got a grade to know how we were doing. With parenting, we are not given a study guide, and we have no objective measure of success . . . we just have to trust our instincts and love our babies and let them "tell us" how we're doing!
Anyway, I think we're all doing okay! But I know what you mean about feeling like WOW there is no reason I should even know what I'm doing here! Who put me in charge of this kid? LOL
I take comfort in the fact that none of us really know what the hell we are doing, lol. And as long as my baby grows and is happy and knows he's loved...well thats all I need. Responding to him vs. following a book, thats my motto...I read once that "Your baby doesnt Google." LOL!
And hopefully by #2 comes along, any doubts will no longer be doubts...but....all babies are different so I suspect the problems will be sort of the same but with a different personality, temperament, needs and desires :) The difference will be personal attitude and coping on my part.
Adrienne - Glad to know I am not alone!
Ruby - I am totally going to have to remember that saying! that's great~
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